The Body and Soul Center for Well-Being

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient practice of spiritual enlightenment. In Sanskrit (the ancient language of India) Yoga translates as yoke or union . Describing the integration of mind and body to create a greater connection with your own pure, essential nature. It is also a way to keep physically fit. Americans have been drawn to Yoga as a way to keep fit, but the idea behind the physical practice of Yoga is to encourage a deeper mind-body awareness. Healing and balancing the physical body helps bring clarity and focus on the mind as well. The Body & Soul Center is available to all for the purpose of awakening consciousness through physical, mental and spiritual development. The teaching of classical Yoga brings with it a vast array of physical benefits. Although Yoga is not religion based, Yoga is a spiritual practice. It becomes a way to open to Grace and to tap into the vast resources of energy and peace and goodness that is within and all around us.

Anyone interested in simply learning the meditation, concentration and relaxation techniques can contact Allen Archer for instruction in these disciplines. Private classes are now being offered to all who are interested. Just call and make an appointment.

YOGA CLASS SCHEDULE

YOGA INSTRUCTION IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE HERE

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YOGA CLASS LEVELS

Beginners

Everyone starts in this class. This class level teaches the student about the basics of Yoga, the yamas and niyamas , several basic âsanas or postures, the basics of meditation and concentration.

* Gentle Yoga -

This new class is for the flexibly impaired or for anyone wishing to do Yoga for the stretching and meditation without the cardiovascular workout of levels 1 through 3.
Requires basic philosophy and âsanas training of Level 1A !

Flow

In this level the Yogi or Yogini learns more basics of Râja- Yoga, more advances âsanas such as the Sun Salutation , and more techniques in meditation and concentration. In flow classes, the asana work flows from one posture into the next.

Look At Our Sample Lessons:

How Do I Register for Class?

At present, Yoga is no longer being taught at Body & Soul Center for Well-Being.

Here are some ways to get more out of your Yoga practice:

DO arrive early. Getting to class about 5-10 minutes early helps you settle in and align your attitude with a purpose of the class. While you are waiting you can practice a pose, do a few stretches, or just sit or lie quietly, breath and get centered.
DO NOT eat a heavy meal two or three hours before class. If you practice Yoga on a full stomach you might experience cramps, nausea or vomiting. Digesting food also takes energy that can make you lethargic. If you feel you must eat, choose something light, like fruit, juice or tea.
DO let your teacher know about injuries or conditions that might affect your practice. If you are injured or tired, skip poses you cannot or should not do, or try a modified version.
DO create an intention. To help you focus, you might find it helpful to dedicate your practice to a certain intention. This might be to become more aware and understanding, more loving and compassionate, or healthier, stronger, and more skillful. Or it might be for the benefit of a friend, a cause - or even yourself.
DO NOT bring pagers or cell phones to class. Leave socializing and business outside the studio, so the peace of the practice is not disturbed. If you feel you must be reached while in class, leave the phone or pager at the front desk at check-in, or leave the number to the center as an emergency contact.
DO be quiet. It is great to share a class with people you know, but it can be distracting to yourself and others to have an extended or loud conversation.
DO bring a towel or your own mat, especially if you perspire a lot during exercise. Arrive clean and free of scents that might distract, offend, or cause allergic reaction to others.
DO pick up and neatly put away any props you might use.
DO NOT push it. Instead of trying to go as deeply or completely into a pose as others or as much as you THINK you should, do what you can without straining or injuring yourself. You will go farther faster if you take a loving attitude toward yourself and work from where you are, not from where you think you should be.
DO NOT enter class late or leave early. It is disruptive to others. DO take time afterwards to think about what you did in class, so that you can retain what you learned. Review the poses you practiced and note any instructions that particularly made sense. Even though you get a written lesson every week, you may not remember the exact instructions. You will soon have a lot of information that can deepen your own personal practice.
DO set aside time every day to do something Yogic. Even if it is to practice your breathing, meditation, or a few âsanas. By dedicating even 5-20 minutes a day you will soon learn the habit of dedication.
DO wear something comfortable that allows you to move and sit without binding your body. Cotton clothing works best, because it breaths and moves. Please no revealing leotards (like thongs) or shorts that may reveal your person. Cotton leggings, t-shirts, cotton bike shorts, etc. are all good.

The keys are to be nonjudgmental of yourself and others, and cultivate one of the best study habits you can possibly acquire: a beginners mind. This means entering every pose as if it were the first time, exploring a new way to stand, breath and move your body.